Worth the Challenge by Karen Erickson Read Free Book Online Page B

want the scent to be cool or hot?”
    He frowned. “Excuse me?”
    She waved a hand. “Scents have temperature. Most are balanced and I can control that. Make it warm like the sun or cool like an ocean breeze.”
    “Hmm.” He rubbed a hand along his firm jaw. “I like the idea of both.”
    “I can mix both.”
    “I’m sure you can.”
    How did those words sound so…sexual when really it was a simple sentence? She decided it best to change the subject. “I can’t wait to go to Maui. When do we leave?”
    “Monday.” Rhett made a face, as if afraid of her reaction.
    “But that’s in…” It was Thursday night. He was giving her virtually no time to get anything together. Make arrangements for her dad.
    “I know, and I’m sorry. But we have to get a move on with this project.” He smiled apologetically. “Since it was delayed and all.”
    The unspoken words hung heavy between them. Delayed by her father’s avoidance tactics, though she knew Rhett would never say it, he was far too polite, but it was the truth. And for whatever twisted reason, she couldn’t help but feel some responsibility for that.
    “Monday won’t be a problem,” she said with a slight nod. “You can count on me to be ready to leave first thing.”
    The waiter reappeared with Rhett’s credit card and the sales slip. He signed it with a flourish, handed over the pen to the waiter, who bobbed his head at the both of them before he hurried away, swallowed up by the crowded restaurant.
    “I appreciate your willingness,” he said once he’d shoved his wallet into the back pocket of his jeans. “I hope you don’t mind spending a few days with me on Maui.”
    Lord help her, she could never admit the idea of spending any amount of days with Rhett Worth on a tropical island was vastly appealing.
    “I don’t mind,” she murmured.
    “Good.” He smiled that devilish smile, the one that lit his eyes and struck terror in her heart, and stood. “I’ll escort you back to the hotel.”
    “That’s not necessary,” she started but he cut her off.
    “It’s the least I can do.”
    Grabbing her glass of wine, she swallowed it down, wincing when she felt the alcohol race through her veins. She stood on wobbly legs and followed him through the restaurant toward the entrance, caught sight of more than one woman shooting an admiring glance in Rhett’s direction as he passed.
    How she wished she could lay claim on him, but she had no right. And he didn’t think of her that way, what with them about to work so closely together.
    But then she remembered the heated looks, the seductive tones, the cheesecake…
    Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment. Cheesecake! She’d really lost her mind if she thought they could have a pretend moment over a dessert. She needed a good night’s rest. Clearly she was crazy.
    They emerged outside into the warm summer night, the cars whizzing by on the busy street before them, the insistent honks and screeching brakes loud. It was late, they’d been in the restaurant for hours, and nary a lingering taxi was in sight.
    “Damn,” he muttered as they stood side by side on the curb, watching the cars pass. The occasional taxi would speed by, service lights off and she swore she heard him utter an even stronger curse. “This will take forever.”
    “We can walk,” she suggested.
    He sent her a measured look. “You must be kidding.”
    “Not really. I’m not wearing heels.” She lifted her foot to show off the practical—and very comfortable—sandal she wore. “How bad can it be? I can handle it.”
    “We’re a few miles away from the hotel.”
    “I can do it if you can.”
    There went that smile again, the one that sent electric zings straight to her weak and pitiful heart—and other, more intimate places. “Are you challenging me?” he asked.
    “Maybe.” She lifted her chin, going for the defiant look.
    “Well, game on then,” he said with relish. “And no complaints.”
    “Don’t worry, I